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RefRigeRated tRanspoRt equipment
LUCAR Cargo Van has been making
refrigerated trailers and vans from its two
Melbourne premises since being founded by
Donald Gray in the 1960s. The Gray family
is still very much involved in the day-to-
day operations at LUCAR – you can’t put a
price on that amount of knowledge based
on years of experience in the Australian
market – and after all this time they maintain
their belief in the importance of giving the
customer what they want.
“We have developed strong working
relationships with our customers and are
flexible enough to be able to listen to them
and include anything they need in the end
design. Our customers know what works
and what doesn’t,” says Alex Allen, LUCAR’s
newly appointed CEO.
“We work very closely with our customers,
talking with them, going out to their
premises and watching them load and
unload, discussing regulations and future
directions of the industry. We basically live
in their world before designing what they
need.”
With the bottom line becoming even more
important in 2009, Alex says that customers
are increasingly building on their demands,
so that whatever they buy from LUCAR, be
it a van, an A–B combination or a road train,
it has to last the distance. In the case of
LUCAR trailers, that means anywhere from
15 to 20 years.
“Everything we manufacture is rigorously
tested before it leaves the yard and
Australia’s tough roads really put them to
the test, not to mention the wide range of
temperatures they have to operate in all over
the country. But a LUCAR trailer can survive
everything that is thrown at it,” Alex says.
LUCAR’s two Melbourne factories are
located in the northern suburb of Reservoir.
The main facility houses the production of
the finished product, while the second is
a specialised workshop for manufacturing
and treating panels. LUCAR uses its long
history in the business – again, the priceless
continuity offered by the Gray family – to
source the best raw materials from both
overseas and Australia.
“We have a large network of overseas
contacts, particularly in Europe, but also
Ask Anyone At LUCAR foR the seCRet behind the CompAny’s Longevity And ongoing sUCCess in A veRy Competitive indUstRy And they’LL teLL yoU thAt it’s ALL pRetty simpLe: Listen to the CUstomeR.
LUCAR’s secret to success
Trailer Magazine march 0928 www.trailermag.com.au 29
in the US,” Alex explains. “We attend
Australian and international shows or if we
can’t make a particular show, we ensure we
talk to our suppliers who attended to learn
about the latest product developments.
“It’s important to understand how the
industry is going to evolve, in terms of
regulation, customer needs and new
technology, all without risking everything
we know as being tried and tested. This is
LUCAR’s approach to the industry.”
The LUCAR team
LUCAR’s staff is comprised of around 30
people, many long-term employees, all
with a passion for designing and building
the best possible trailers. A core team of
in-house designers and production managers
is supported by experienced manufacturing
staff producing their wide range of
refrigerated bodies.
The LUCAR name can be found on standard
12 pallet A-Trailer/22 pallet B-Trailer full
freezer combinations or, as mentioned,
any specification the customer wants.
Market-leading chillers such as Carrier and
ThermoKing allow the full freezer bodies
to drop as low as -30, while fridge/freezer
combinations are another speciality.
Turn around time for major stock items
is usually in the area of two weeks, with
more customised designs taking three or
four weeks.
And just to make things even easier for
customers, LUCAR can also help out with
finance options.
“While we do offer a small range of short-
term rentals, LUCAR is primarily about
manufacturing and selling trailers of the
highest quality to our customers,” Alex says.
“We also have key financing partner
companies for those customers who want
to look at this option – all you have to do is
ask us!”
ContactLUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd297 Edwardes StreetReservoir VIC 3073Ph: 1800 144 462Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au
LUCAR Trailers feature full length high tensile chassis for superior strength and handling
LUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd295 – 301 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Email: enquiries@lucar.com.auwww.lucar.com.au
Take advantage of the Government Investment Allowance
Specialists in Refrigerated Road Transport Equipment
ALL mAjoR modELS AVAiLAbLE •PalletA-trailer&TAGtrailersinfullfreezer
double stack configuration
•RoadTrain&drive-thruB-Doublecombinations
•Trailersbuilttoyourspecifications
•Largeselectionoftrailersinstockatalltimes
LUCAR uses its long history in the business to source the best raw materials from both overseas and Australia for its panels.
Donald Gray, founder of LUCAR Cargo Van.
NEWS
Trailer Magazine april 0918
LUCAR Trailers feature full length high tensile chassis for superior strength and handling
LUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd295 – 301 Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Email: enquiries@lucar.com.auwww.lucar.com.au
Take advantage of the Government Investment Allowance
Specialists in Refrigerated Road Transport Equipment
ALL mAjoR modELS AVAiLAbLE •PalletA-trailer&TAGtrailersinfullfreezer
double stack configuration
•RoadTrain&drive-thruB-Doublecombinations
•Trailersbuilttoyourspecifications
•Largeselectionoftrailersinstockatalltimes
LUCAR aids industry with unique fridge panelsMelbourne refrigerated body builder LUCAR Cargo Van is aiding
transport operators looking to reduce fuel and other running costs
with its unique panels.
LUCAR’s purpose-designed panels incorporate a very high performing
structural insulation foam that is closed-cell, fire retardant and water
resistant. The foam is specially designed for the Transport Industry and
is found in trailers running right across the world.
Because of the density and
non-porous properties of
this structural foam used by
LUCAR in the construction of
its trailer bodies, operators
are finding that their fridges
are running at the required
temperature consistently for
a lot longer than previously
experienced.
“We know that this
performance factor is
essential when trying to bring
down our customers’ fuel
and consumption costs, and
also that this reduces carbon
emissions that are damaging
to the environment,” said
Alex Allen, LUCAR’s CEO.
“Here at LUCAR we care about the world we are in and that’s why
we would possibly be the ‘greenest’ Refrigerated Road Transport
Trailer manufacturer in Australia. Our vans are able to stay cooler for
longer and efficiently perform year-on-year in the harsh Aussie road
conditions.
“So it definitely pays to go green when looking at your trailer fleet –
another great reason to buy a LUCAR!”
proudly sponsored by...TrAIler buIlder oF THe MonTH
Trailer Magazine april 1084 www.trailermag.com.au 85
Established By Donald E. Gray in 1960, LUCAR
Cargo Van has remained family owned and
operated. Now operating out of its 5000
square metre factory in Reservoir, LUCAR
Cargo Van builds a wide range of freezer, chiller
and dry freight trailer bodies with the flexibility
to custom build to customer specifications.
During LUCAR ’s early days, it manufactured
a range of smaller bodies to suit the needs of
various tradesmen, from insulated milk delivery
vans to small removalist vans. When LUCAR
moved to its larger premises, it began building
much larger van bodies for several well-
known Australian companies such as Ansett
Wridgeways, Hertz, Budget, TNT and Grace
Bros.
Today, LUCAR specialises in refrigerated
trailers that are built to suit the Australian
climate and its unforgiving roads. This ongoing
commitment has led LUCAR to label each of its
trailers ‘the van for Australian conditions’.
Each year, LUCAR builds an average of up to
80 new vans for customers all over Australia.
Some of its most popular models include 22
and 24 pallet rear trailers, 10 and 12 pallet
lead trailers, double stacker trailers and multi-
temperature trailers. These trailers are used in
a range of industries including fresh produce,
food and beverage and general freight.
All LUCAR trailers feature a full length high
tensile chassis. LUCAR claims that this chassis
is the backbone of its trailers, providing the
strength for its super lightweight jumbo vans
– an original design that has continued to be
produced throughout the company’s 50 year
heritage.
LUCAR has a dedicated panel factory that
manufactures customised fibreglass reinforced
panels to suit varying needs and applications.
Available in various thicknesses, each panel is
constructed of woven reinforced fibreglass,
a foam core and gel coat finish which also
offers UV protection from the harsh Australian
sun. This construction offers a lightweight
and extremely durable finish with the added
benefit of being able to flex, thus eliminating
the chance of cracking. As the trailer is
so lightweight, payloads are dramatically
increased. Due to the exceptional quality of
these reinforced fibreglass panels, LUCAR ’s
refrigerated trailers can hold temperatures as
low as -30ºC with ease, making them more
fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.
As well, the use of fibreglass instead of steel
or aluminium eliminates the chance of rust
throughout the life of the trailer. This also
means that the panels do not need to be
painted.
LUCAR offers a comprehensive repairs service
with quick turnaround times. Replacement
trailer options are available to ensure businesses
are not disrupted. LUCAR ’s trailer rental
division provides both long and short term
trailer rental options. In addition, LUCAR has
spray booth facilities for hire in its new Tru Flow
Spray Booth located at the factory site.
As every unit produced by LUCAR is numbered
and replacement parts are catalogued, if any
part of the van is damaged, the section can
be replaced with a factory prepared identical
as was used in the original build, thus greatly
reducing any downtime. LUCAR has authorised
repairers located in every state in Australia.
To help celebrate its 50 years of operation and
as a testament to the longevity of its trailers,
LUCAR is currently searching for the oldest
LUCAR trailer still in active operation. LUCAR
is urging all owners of original working LUCAR
trailers to contact the company by the end of
May with the winner to be announced 30 June
2010. The owner of the winning trailer will
receive a $5000 professional spray booth paint
service.
ContactLUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd297 Edwardes StreetReservoir VIC 3073Ph: 1800 144 462Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au
TRAILER BUILDER OF THE MONTH
Braking and Stability...
...Testing to Extremes
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kmTrailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) take the guesswork and risk out of challenging driving conditions.
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The most future packed system to be seen on the Australian market.
• Extendedvoltagerangeof8–32volts• Dualloadsensingfunction,automaticallydetectingifEBSorABSprimemover
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TRAILER BUILDER OF THE MONTH
Braking and Stability...
...Testing to Extremes
No ReturnA 5225
21
kmTrailer Electronic Braking Systems (TEBS) take the guesswork and risk out of challenging driving conditions.
www.knorr-bremsecvs.com
The most future packed system to be seen on the Australian market.
• Extendedvoltagerangeof8–32volts• Dualloadsensingfunction,automaticallydetectingifEBSorABSprimemover
• TiltAnglesafetyfeatureforTipperoperation• Easyinstallationandmaintenance
50 years and going strongFrom its early days spent manuFacturing trailer bodies in a small garage in collingwood, melbourne, lucar cargo Van has grown to become a well-respected reFrigerated and dry Freight trailer manuFacturer, with each and eVery one oF its trailers built to tackle all that australia has to oFFer.
That’s entertainmentEntErtainmEnt industry EquipmEnt movEmEnt spEcialist, showfrEight, has built a strong rEputation in logistic planning and frEight forwarding for livE EvEnts around thE country and throughout thE world. for many yEars, showfrEight has rEliEd hEavily on trailing EquipmEnt built by lucar cargo van, and thE company has just takEn dElivEry of Eight nEw 48ft jumbo dry frEight vans as part of a largE ongoing ordEr.
Showfreight, a division of Show Group,
specialises in carting lighting, sound, video
and stage equipment (and everything
in between) for local and international
touring acts, as well as conducting
courier movements for the film, sport and
corporate markets.
When there is a live event to be held, there
are no second chances. Freight movements
need to be carried out on time, every time
– and Showfreight ensures this is always the
case through the use of carefully selected
professional operators combined with quality
equipment that is built to go the distance.
The Showfreight fleet is comprised of
almost 40 trailers, most of which have been
built by LUCAR Cargo Van.
Showfreight’s National Freight Manager,
John Kline has experience in show
movements dating back over 25 years;
and he and the company have had a long
association with LUCAR Cargo Van and its
founder, Donald E. Gray. “For 30 odd years,
Showfreight has been purchasing trailers
through LUCAR Cargo Van,” says John.
“There are still trailers operating in the fleet
that Don built for us almost 25 years ago.
We have a few 45ft drop deck trailers, as
well as a 41ft trailer still in use. While these
trailers aren’t being used quite as much as
they used to be, they are still in fairly good
condition. They definitely hold together
really well and have outlasted many of
the trailers we have purchased from other
manufacturers.”
In addition to the quality workmanship,
John believes that the longevity of the
LUCAR trailers is largely attributed to the
LUCAR engineered full length chassis.
LUCAR says that its chassis are the
backbone that provides strength for the
super lightweight structure of its Jumbo
ContactLUCAR Cargo Van Pty Ltd297 Edwardes StreetReservoir VIC 3073Ph: 1800 144 462Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au
Vans; and that the design of this chassis
has been unique to LUCAR for the past
50 years.
Showfreight’s latest ongoing order of
LUCAR tri axle linehaul Jumbo FRP dry
freight 24 pallet pantechnicon vans will be
based in Melbourne and Sydney, operating
Australia wide. The full length chassis on
each of these trailers has been fabricated
with tapered main rails and hi-tensile grade
350 steel pressed section cross bearers for
maximum strength and structural integrity.
“The full length chassis that LUCAR
incorporates into our trailers seems to
be much stronger and better suited to
the work we do. The way we look at it
is that they are a much stronger trailer,
therefore we get a longer life out of
them,” says John.
While LUCAR builds all of its trailers
to customer specifications, all trailers
manufactured by the company have
been designed to be fuel efficient and
environmentally friendly.
LUCAR uses high thermal quality FRP walls
that allow temperatures of -30ºC to be
maintained seamlessly for customers that
require refrigerated operations. A woven
fibreglass and gel coat finish results in a
lightweight but durable panel with excellent
flexing properties.
LUCAR has also put a system in place
whereby every unit is numbered and
replacement parts catalogued to ensure
minimal downtime for its customers.
Each of the new trailers purchased by
Showfreight also feature two 16ft ramps
that slide underneath the trailer between
the chassis rails as well as custom made
underbody belly boxes with three doors
per side and no internal dividers. Along
the side walls of the trailers, five rows of
E-Track Load Loc have been fitted which
are used in order to tie down freight, as
well as separate loads by using bars that
clip in from one side of the van to the
other, essentially creating extra flooring
for maximum use of the internal space.
The trailers also feature FRP (Fibreglass
Reinforced Panel) for the walls, roof and
doors; heavy-duty checker plate floors; BPW
suspension; a 60 litre water tank; two spare
wheel carriers; Jost A400 series heavy-
duty landing legs; rear bumpers; and a 9”
aluminium scuff band fitted to the walls at
pallet level for additional protection.
Already, eight of the new Lucar trailers
have been put to work, with the next two
trailers scheduled to arrive by mid October,
in time for the Metallica ‘World Magnetic
Tour’. The tour has already travelled through
the UK, Europe, North America and South
America and recently started in Melbourne
on 13 September before heading to
Sydney. The tour is currently in New
Zealand and will return to Australia at the
Brisbane Entertainment Centre on
16 October before travelling to Perth,
Sydney and Adelaide, and finishing up
back in Melbourne.
30
Trailer Builder
Trailer Magazine october 10 www.trailermag.com.au 31
36 www.trailermag.com.au 37Trailer Magazine march 12
to rumours; and while most of them
prove false, they can negatively impact
the reputation of a business. To avoid
any misinformation and long-term
damage, Paul has now chosen a path
of transparency. “By being available,
responsive and as transparent as possible
we want to undercut the rumour mill,”
he says.
“Including my apprenticeship, I can draw
back on more than three decades of
experience in the industry, so I think my
knowledge is critical to lead Lucar through
this phase of business re-structuring,”
says Paul. “I want to help the company re-
establish its solid reputation and remind the
market that we are still the powerhouse we
used to be.”
Only half a year after Paul’s return, the
Lucar workshop in Reservoir is now
humming along at full capacity. “We have
hired additional staff as demand is rising
constantly,” says Paul. “We are actively
training people through apprenticeships to
establish a future-proof workforce. Forging
ahead at this speed, it is necessary to think
forward; and we also think that training
the next generation is a great service to the
industry as a whole.”
Although he does not intend to re-invent
the wheel, Paul is already busy revamping
the existing Lucar design to add that extra
bit of versatility. “We are currently re-
designing some components to create a
modular system that will make it easier to
individualise each project and modify existing
stock.” Lucar is also active sourcing state-of-
the-art building materials, such as Brianza
Plastica’s fiberglass laminate and Henkel
adhesives.
According to Paul, Lucar’s competitive
advantage is its flexibility. “We’re a company
that focuses’ on quality over quantity. Our
goal is to build the highest-quality Australian
made trailer in the refrigerated transport
market,” he adds. “Every Lucar trailer is
manufactured for longevity. We also intend
to expand our production line to cater to the
oversize line haul market; and also increase
their repair business.”
Paul and his team are already energetically
applying to tenders and are pleased by the
positive feedback they have received from
their clients. “Lucar still is a well-trusted
brand that has been around for 50 years.
The transport industry appreciates such
expertise,” Paul concludes. “We’re a hands-
on business that is very close to the transport
industry. We listen to what is needed in
the field and translate that knowledge into
volume production. Now it’s time to let
everyone know that we are as strong as ever,
re-establishing old relationships and building
new ones!”
Established half a century ago by Don
Gray, Lucar is still a family-owned business.
However, due to Don’s illness, his wife
Mercedes Gray is now acting as Managing
Director, supported by well-known industry
expert Paul Keogh as the company’s
new Operations Manager. Under Paul’s
guidance, the industry powerhouse has
now made an unmistakable statement –
Lucar is still up to the challenge, offering
the best-performing range ever. “The
family is well positioned to sustain the
Lucar brand for an additional 50 years,”
says Paul, who just returned to Lucar after
a four-year interlude in the USA.
Paul Keogh is not unknown to Australia’s
commercial road transport industry. As the
company’s previous Workshop Manager,
he has been an active part of the Lucar
management for 27 years, during which
he contributed to the brand’s on-going
growth while managing the production
floor.
“I definitely have a personal connection
to the Lucar brand,” he says. “That’s why
I decided to come back and help restore
the brand.” While in a consulting role, just
prior to his return, Paul realised industry
perception of Lucar had changed and
recovery was needed. “Although Lucar
kept building a superior product, rumours
spread that the business lacked experience,
but that was false, as there are people here
that can draw back on more than fifteen
years in this trade.”
But, like many industries, the commercial
road transport sector is not immune
The rumours ThaT long-esTablished brand, lucar cargo Van, moVed or wenT ouT of business are incorrecT, The company announced. The manufacTuring planT sTill resides aT iTs reserVoir, VicToria address and faciliTaTes qualiTy producTion and repairs.
refrigerated transport equipment
VISIT US aT The ITTeS STand VTA8
ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes St Reservoir, VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: lucar.com.au
30 years of experience return to lead Lucar
We listen to what is needed in the field and translate that knowledge into volume production. Now it’s time to let everyone know that we are as strong as ever, re-establishing old relationships and building new ones!
www.trailermag.com.au 3534
RefRigeRated tRanspoRt equipment
Trailer Magazine JuLY 12
Established half a century ago by Don
Gray, Lucar Cargo Van is a family-owned
business that has gained a solid repute
for building long-lasting, quality trailing
equipment. Due to Don’s illness, his wife
Mercedes Gray is now acting as Managing
Director, supported by returnee Paul Keogh
and industry veteran Robert Eppel.
In her short time at the top, Mercedes
has experienced first hand that carefully
selected people like Paul and Robert are
essential to keep the business not only
open, but thriving. While Robert has been
one of the founding staff of a competing
business in Victoria, Paul has been an
active part of the Lucar management for
27 years before he left Australia behind
to work in the US. Both have been
headhunted by Mercedes to help revitalise
the long-standing brand name. According
to Mercedes, the new management is
characterised by flat hierarchies and a
positive can-do attitude.
“People are the key to success,” she
says. “Very often there is a different view
in businesses – people are only seen as
production and expense factor. At Lucar,
however, we try to think otherwise.
We know that our success relies on the
individual performance of each and
everyone in our company. That’s why I have
hand-selected the current management to
lead the Lucar brand into the future.”
Since Robert completed the team in April
– Paul joined in mid 2011 – Mercedes has
announced a market offensive that will see
Look after your staff first and success wiLL foLLow – that’s the main Lesson mercedes Gray has Learnt in her time at the heLm of Lucar carGo Van. to her, staff are the most important asset of the business. “Look after your staff and you create LoyaLty, consistency, and that’s the way you driVe your business forward and increase saLes.”
Lucar flex some muscle and surpass the
competition in the half-decade to come.
“I believe it is important to have a clear
vision for the company, which is backed by
a strategic plan. Since my appointment as
Managing Director I have made sure we
develop a clear vision for the future and
follow through with strong communication
of this to our team. Paul and Robert helped
me translate that vision into a viable
production strategy,” she says.
According to Mercedes, one of the
few female executives in the industry,
Lucar’s key advantage is a solid financial
foundation. “We want to continue Don’s
work and bring it to the next level, and
we know that a reliable financial backup
is essential to forge ahead in the current
market environment,” she says, knowing
that expanding in a volatile market can be
a gamble and affect cash flow.
But, Lucar’s leading lady is convinced that
the product will justify the risk. “The Lucar
product has proven itself in the field. Some
trailers in our in-house leasing fleet have
been built up to 15 years ago and still
perform beautifully,” she says. “We build
the entire trailer in-house, using the latest
technology and design software, hence we
are very confident in regard to build quality
and finish.”
Since Paul and Robert joined the team,
the Lucar workshop in Reservoir has been
humming along at full capacity, putting
out 40 to 50 units a year. But, Robert is
optimistic that the production volume will
double before long. “We have the potential
to produce twice as many units per annum,
and that’s where we want to get.”
Therefore, Paul and Robert are already
busy re-vamping the existing Lucar design
to add that extra bit of versatility. “We are
currently re-designing some components
to create a modular system that will make
it easier to individualise each project and
modify existing stock,” says Robert. “We
don’t want to reinvent the wheel but there
is always room for improvement.”
According to Robert, Lucar’s true
competitive advantage is its flexibility.
“We’re a company that focuses’ on quality
over quantity. Our goal is to build the
highest-quality Australian made trailer in
the refrigerated transport market,” he
adds. “Every Lucar trailer is manufactured
for longevity. We also intend to expand our
We are currently re-designing some components to create a modular system that will make it easier to individualise each project and modify existing stock.
The company of choice
Managing Director Mercedes Gray with returnee Paul Keogh (right) and industry veteran Robert Eppel.
36
RefRigeRated tRanspoRt equipment
Trailer Magazine JuLY 12
ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes St Reservoir, VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: lucar.com.au
production line to cater to the oversize line
haul market; build more rigids and increase
the repair business.”
Mercedes and her team are already
energetically applying to tenders and are
pleased by the positive feedback they
have received from their clients. “Lucar
still is a well-trusted brand that has been
around for 50 years. The transport industry
appreciates such expertise,” Mercedes
concludes. “We’re a hands-on business
that is very close to the transport industry.
Just have a look at the fact that we didn’t
even have a dedicated sales team for some
time. People would just call up because
they know the product is unbeatable.”
In the future, Mercedes would like to see
Lucar become the country’s most powerful
privately owned trailer brand – lead by
the most talented people in the industry.
She concedes talent is hard to find, but
the company’s hook: “We are not a large
company. We’re Australian-owned, and
there is room for growth and progression;
everything is possible. That’s why Paul
and Robert have joined the team, and I’m
sure they will retain what Don has created
and more. We all want Lucar to be the
company of choice – for customers and
employees alike.”
We are not a large company. We’re Australian-owned, and there is room for growth and progression; everything is possible. That’s why Paul and Robert have joined the team.
32 Trailer Magazine OctOber 12
After being locked in a long-term leasing
contract, Lucar Cargo Van has recently been
able to purchase the company premises in the
Melbourne suburb of Reservoir, paving the
way for a long-anticipated expansion course
that will see the brand invest in additional
production capacity.
“The day has finally come where we can
modernise and alter our building to best
suit the needs of a forward-thinking,
growing business,” says Managing Director,
Mercedes Gray. “In the past, we have been
busy upgrading the existing building and
equipment where possible. For instance, we
have replaced the overhead crane system
and installed a state-of-the-art spray booth,
but we soon realised we needed more space
to accommodate our production for future
growth.”
The end of the long-term leasing contract has
now marked the beginning of a new “era
of growth”, according to Mercedes, who is
supported by Paul Keogh and Robert Eppel,
who have more than 60 years experience
between them.
“New buildings fitted out with overhead
cranes are already awaiting approval, and we
hope to start phase one of the renovation
before Christmas,” she says – pointing
out that there will be three main areas of
structural change, with the third and largest
construction taking place once the other
buildings are complete and functional.
“Of course we have to take our production
Course for growth EstablishEd half a cEntury ago by don gray, lucar cargo Van is a family-ownEd businEss that has gainEd a solid rEputE for building long-lasting, quality trailing EquipmEnt. to cEmEnt that position in thE markEt, thE company has now announcEd an ambitious Expansion plan.
schedule into account when planning the
expansion. There is no doubt that there will
be some inconvenience, but with strategic
planning this will be at a minimum. The
team at Lucar are looking forward to our
new buildings, as we are convinced they
will move us forward into the future.”
According to Mercedes, one of the few
female executives in the industry, the
brand’s expansion will not affect trailer
production or pricing. “We are happy to
say that we have not increased our prices
but actually reduced them – even though
the Carbon Tax is weighing heavy on the
entire industry. At Lucar, we do not want to
pass on that burden to our clientele.”
However, there has been one small setback
when news spread that Lucar equipment was
being de-branded, with all logos and badges
being removed. “Why someone would want
to de-brand a van is a mystery, unless the
intent is to replace the Lucar branding with
something else. Hence we would like to
stress that there is only one Lucar, and we are
happy to support our clientele by replacing
missing logos free of charge.”
ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes St Reservoir, VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au
We are happy to say that we have not increased our prices but actually reduced them – even though the Carbon Tax is weighing heavy on the entire industry. At Lucar, we do not want to pass on that burden to our clientele.
refrigerated transport equipment
www.trailermag.com.au 33
46 www.trailermag.com.au 47
Trailer Builder
Trailer Magazine april 13
If looks could chill
In the words of Robert Eppel, Business
Development Manager at Lucar, the sole
purpose of the most recent facelift of Lucar’s
refrigerated double-stacker freezer model was
making it more appealing to the client. “We
have given the brand a modern appeal by
making it visually more sexy.
“The Lucar Cargo Van name has been around
for more than half a century. Ever since day
one founder Don Gray would insist on periodic
upgrades in all areas of our business. Whether
it is improving the equipment we use on the
manufacturing floor or the computer systems
we use in our administration office, constant
evolution is what we have always been
about,” he explains. “In that sense, upgrading
the freezer range has been a logical step.”
Call it a minor rebranding of sorts, Lucar can
now boast an updated logo, laced with red
and silver chrome-plated badging and most
importantly, reinforced heavy-duty walls, all
aimed at emphasizing the brand’s focus on
injecting a 21st century theme – both visually
and technologically.
The latest changes complete an enterprising
12 months for Lucar, culminating in the
purchase of the Reservoir production facility–
setting off an expansion course aimed at
maximising production capacity and build
quality.
“The day has finally come where we can
modernise and alter our buildings to best suit
the needs of a forward-thinking, growing
business,” Managing Director Mercedes Gray
would say at the time, and that statement
has rubbed off well on the rest of Lucar’s
Lucar cargo Van is one company where stagnation is a rarity. From new staFF appointments to FortiFying the reserVoir pLant through to the most recent update in traiLer design – aLL accompLished within a 12-month span, Lucar has proVided a ‘chiLLing’ reminder that the reFrigerated Van speciaList is stiLL a Force to be reckoned with.
ContactLucar Cargo Van297 Edwardes Street Reservoir VIC 3073Toll Free: 1800 144 462Ph: 03 9462 1444Fax: 03 9462 3020Web: www.lucar.com.au
Management reveals that Lucar will continue to press forward to cope with the increased demand as a result of the larger distribution network, but will do so inch by inch.
staff. “I daresay the motivation level is at an
all-time high.”
But despite all changes, one thing has not
changed at all – Lucar’s original promise to
provide high quality transport equipment.
“There have been no drastic changes as such.
In fact, clients can expect the same tried
and tested design, but with a few cosmetic
changes and eventually, the use of far superior
products as they become available. Lucar is
about moving with the times and reflecting
the sleek look of 21st century branding, and
that’s very much the way we see it.”
“Mercedes Gray, Operations Manager Paul
Keogh and myself have had long discussions
about how to add value to our product and
decided to start with a few minor tweaks. We
wanted a fresh new logo to reflect both that
new outlook and the heavy-duty nature of the
product. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re
in, all companies at some stage experience
some type of design adjustment, and we are
no different. For instance, all new trailers going
forward will have polished aluminium rails
that connect the walls to the floor, all with the
purpose of modernising the finished product.”
In addition, the walls on some of Lucar’s more
heavy-duty models have now been reinforced
to cope with rough roads, and even standard
items such as the toolboxes and water tanks
have been revisited. “The tool boxes had
different handles added to make them easier
to use, while the use of polished stainless steel
is becoming a common request. We want
people to know that we pay attention to detail
with each and every trailer we build.”
Making the trailer’s interior user-friendlier was
also high on Lucar’s agenda, as well as slight
modifications to the trailer’s rear. “For the
benefit of all our client’s going forward, the
interior of all our manufactured units will now
have safety stickers,” Robert adds.
“The side interior walls of our latest double
stacker freezer indicate where certain bars
need to be placed if the operator wants to
organise pallets to be stacked. In the past, the
operator had to use a pencil to mark where
bars needed to go; but that’s no longer the
case with the stickers that have been placed.”
“In the past also we used to staple the door
seals on the rear. However, we have found
in the past the staples tend to rust after two
to three years of service. Now, we are using
a special glue to hold the seals in place,
which gives a cleaner, more modern look and
superior attachment.”
Management reveals that Lucar will
continue to press forward to cope with the
increased demand as a result of the larger
distribution network, but will do so inch
by inch. “Apart from the minor changes,
which have added to the vehicle being safe
and more user-friendly, Lucar vans are now
being built for even greater longevity,”
Robert concludes.
AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST DEDICATED TRUCK, TRAILER & EqUIpmEnT SHOW
2010 OffICIAL SHOW REvIEW
30
Celebrating a milestone
Lucar Cargo Van was started by Donald E. Gray in 1960. It began manufacturing standard table top bodies, and dry freight, insulated and aluminium cargo vans from a small garage in Collingwood, Victoria. Today, Lucar Cargo Van builds a wide range of freezer, chiller and dry freight trailers to suit its customers exacting needs. On display at the stand was a Lucar Jumbo freezer tri-axle trailer. The chassis on this 13.52 metre trailer is made with tapered main rails and high tensile grade 350 lightweight steel pressed section cross bearers for added strength. Lucar sources premium laminated fibreglass sheets for the walls which are held together by specially designed aluminium extrusions. The laminated foam sheets are held
together with a heavy layer of woven reinforced fibreglass and then finished with a gel coating that provides a hard and durable surface. The trailer is fitted with a Thermo King SB Spectrum multi-temperature refrigeration unit, BPW tri-axle suspension, Anteo 2 tonne cantilever tail lift, Dunlop tubeless tyres and Alcoa wheels.Lucar claims that this trailer is the best Lucar engineered refrigerated road transport trailer, labelling it ‘The Van Built for Australian Conditions’ and invited show visitors to take a tour
through the trailer. Every day during the show, between 2pm and 3pm, Lucar treated its guests to a 50th birthday celebration cake and champagne at its stand in the Exhibition Pavilion with all those attending the show invited to take part.Moving into the future, Lucar has built its operations for growth. Those who have actually been involved in building the vans over the past decade have been rewarded and Lucar asserts that these employees are taking the company into a new era.
TO MArK ITS 50 yEArS Of OPErATIOn, LuCAr CArGO VAn CELEBrATED In STyLE, InVITInG ShOW VISITOrS TO BE PArT Of ITS BIrThDAy CELEBrATIOnS AnD EnJOy BIrThDAy CAKE AnD ChAMPAGnE DAILy AS WELL AS BALLOOnS fOr ThE KIDS!
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